Linear Technology LTC3105 synchronous boost converter

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Linear Technology has released the LTC3105, a synchronous boost converter that incorporates maximum power point control and starts with inputs of 250 mV.

The device operates over a wide input range of 0.2 to 5 V, making it suitable for harvesting energy from high-impedance alternative power sources, including photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric generators and fuel cells.

The converter’s internal 400 mA synchronous switches maximise efficiency while its Burst Mode operation offers quiescent current of 22 uA, further optimising converter efficiency over all operating conditions. A user-programmable MPPC setpoint maximises the energy that can be extracted from any power source without collapsing its internal voltage.

The device is suitable for power wireless sensors and data acquisition applications. Surplus or ambient energy can be harvested and then used to generate system power in lieu of traditional wired or battery power. Typically, these applications require very low average power, but require periodic pulses of higher load current.

For example, the converter can be used in wireless sensor applications where the power load is extremely low when the sensor is in standby mode, interrupted by periodic high load bursts, when the circuitry is powered up to take measurements and transmit data.

An auxiliary LDO delivers up to 6 mA of output to power external microcontrollers and sensors while the main output is charging. Once fully charged, the main output can deliver voltages of 5.25 with up to 100 mA of output.

It can also regulate V_OUT even when V_IN is greater than or equal to V_OUT, offering further design flexibility.

In shutdown, the device offers output disconnect, isolating V_IN from V_OUT, requiring only 4 µA of quiescent current.